Decreased Mitochondrial DNA Integrity and Elevated Inflammatory Markers in Late-Life Depression: A Longitudinal Study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Late-life depression (LLD) is a prevalent and severe mental disorder. The biological mechanisms underlying LLD are not fully understood, but increasing evidence suggests that mitochondria play a significant role. Impaired mitochondrial function leads to excessive production of reactive oxygen species and the release of circulating cell-free mitochondrial DNA (ccf-mtDNA). The ccf-mtDNA activates the toll-like receptor system, which triggers a systemic proinflammatory response. However, there is limited understanding of the impact of ccf-mtDNA integrity, such as deletions, on LLD pathological conditions.

Methods

We included 90 older individuals (50 LLDs, 40 nondepressed healthy control participants [HCs]), with a subset of individuals followed up at 30 months (13 LL

SUBMITTER: Mendes-Silva AP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12506495 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature